The prospect of returning to the NRL will propel Kieran Foran to overcome his personal problems, the family of the star playmaker believes.

Foran has reportedly headed overseas to a rehabilitation facility after being admitted to hospital earlier this week due to an overdose of prescription medication.

In an interview with Fairfax New Zealand, Foran’s grandfather Pat Foran said the family was in shock.

He said he had been contact with his son, Foran’s father, Greg Foran, who is CEO of US retailing giant Walmart.

“My son in the States sent us an email warning us what had happened,” he said.

“I really haven’t got any more to tell you, you’ll read about it all in the paper. It was quite a shock.

“I have difficulty handling the fact that he’s played so well this year, probably his best season to date and all this has been going on in his head, that’s what surprised me. I don’t know what triggered it all.

“He’s not going to be well until he gets back to football. I think it’s about all that’s holding him together these days. I’m sure he’ll get back.”

Pat Foran said he hadn’t spoken to Kieran since news broke of his current situation.

Foran penned an emotional letter to his Parramatta teammates after taking leave from the NRL club for personal reasons.

The letter was read to Eels players in the ANZ Stadium changerooms pre-game before their win over Canterbury on Friday.

Assistant coach Steve Murphy read the letter out aloud to the players.

“I’m not sure if I would be able to wake up each day, to go to training, if it wasn’t for you boys,” Foran wrote in the letter as reported by News Corp.

“I’ve played in a lot of great teams, but I haven’t played in a group as tight this before.

“I love you guys. You have held me together. Coming to training, to be with you boys, is the reason I wake up each morning.

“Thank you for your support. I know I’ve let you down, but rest assured I can’t wait to get back and when I do I’ll be ready to go.”

Foran is expected to miss around a month of football.